What Step 3 means in the SSDI appeal process

Reconsideration is the second formal appeal level for SSDI. If the Social Security Administration denied your initial claim, you can ask them to look at your case again with a fresh reviewer and new medical evidence. This is Step 3 of the five-step appeal process — the first chance to add information that wasn't in your original process.

You must request reconsideration within 60 days of receiving your denial letter. Social Security will assign a different examiner to review your entire file from the beginning, including any new medical records, test results, or statements you submit. This is not a conversation or a hearing — it is a paper review.

Reconsideration takes longer than the initial decision. Most cases take three to six months, though some take longer depending on how much medical evidence you submit and how busy your local office is.

Key Takeaways

  • You have 60 days from the date on your denial letter to request reconsideration, or you move to a different appeal level.
  • A new examiner reviews your case from scratch, so this is your chance to submit medical records, test results, or doctor statements that support your claim.
  • You request reconsideration by completing Form SSA-561, which you can get from your local Social Security office, online, or by phone at 1-800-772-1213.
  • Social Security will mail you a new decision letter within three to six months in most cases, though the timeline varies by location and case complexity.
  • If reconsideration is denied, you move to Step 4, which is a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge.

How to request reconsideration

You request reconsideration by filing Form SSA-561-U2 (process for Reconsideration). You can get this form three ways: visit your local Social Security office in person, call 1-800-772-1213 and ask them to mail it to you, or read it from ssa.gov. You do not need to pay a fee.

Fill out the form with your name, Social Security number, and the date of your denial letter. You do not need to write a long explanation — the form itself is enough to start the process. Mail it to the address listed on your denial letter, or bring it to your local office. Keep a copy for your records.

If you miss the 60-day window, you can still appeal, but you will move directly to Step 4 (the hearing) instead of getting a reconsideration. This means you skip the chance to have a new examiner review your case on paper.

What new evidence to submit with reconsideration

Reconsideration is your opportunity to add medical records that were not in your original claim. This might include recent test results, hospital discharge papers, therapy notes, or a letter from your doctor explaining how your condition affects your ability to work. The stronger your medical evidence, the better your chances.

If your condition has gotten worse since you applied, submit records showing that change. If you have started new treatment or medication, include those records. If your doctor has written a statement saying you cannot work, that statement should go in too.

You can submit evidence by mail (send it to the address on your denial letter), in person at your local office, or by phone — call 1-800-772-1213 and ask how to send documents. Submit everything at once if you can, rather than sending it in pieces over time. Social Security will wait a reasonable time for evidence you say is coming, but do not delay unnecessarily.

What the examiner looks for during reconsideration

The reconsideration examiner uses the same standard as the initial reviewer: can you do your past work, and can you do any other work that exists in the economy, given your age, education, and work history? They are looking at whether your medical condition is severe enough and long-lasting enough to prevent you from working.

"Severe" means your condition causes more than minor limitations. "Long-lasting" means it has lasted or is expected to last at least 12 months or result in death. The examiner will read all your medical records, any new evidence you submitted, and your work history. They will not call you or ask you questions — they decide based on the written record.

If the examiner finds that your condition meets or exceeds the criteria in Social Security's list of disabling conditions (called the Blue Book), your case may be approved at reconsideration. If not, they will explain why in a new decision letter.

Timeline and what to expect while waiting

After you file Form SSA-561-U2, Social Security will send you a receipt notice within a few days confirming they received your request. This is not a decision — it is just proof that your reconsideration is in the queue.

The examiner will then gather your file, review all medical evidence, and make a new decision. This usually takes three to six months, but can take longer if you submit evidence late in the process or if your local office is backlogged. You will not hear from Social Security during this time unless they need to ask you a question.

When the decision is made, Social Security will mail you a new decision letter. This letter will say either that your claim is approved or that it is still denied. If denied, the letter will explain why and tell you how to appeal to Step 4 (the hearing).

If reconsideration is denied

If your reconsideration is denied, you have 60 days from the date on the new decision letter to request a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge. This is Step 4 of the appeal process. At a hearing, you can testify in person (or by phone or video), present witnesses, and have a representative speak on your behalf if you choose.

Many people find that the hearing stage is where their case is approved, because you get to explain your situation directly instead of relying only on written records. You can also have a lawyer or non-lawyer representative help you prepare and present your case.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I work while my reconsideration is pending?

Yes. Reconsideration does not affect your ability to work or earn money. If you are working and your case is approved, Social Security will look at your work history to determine your benefit amount, but working while appealing does not hurt your case.

Do I need a lawyer to request reconsideration?

No. You can request reconsideration on your own by filing Form SSA-561-U2. However, a lawyer or non-lawyer representative can help you gather medical evidence and prepare your case. You do not pay them unless your case is approved.

What if I forgot to include important medical records in my original process?

Reconsideration is the right time to submit them. Send any records you have — hospital visits, test results, therapy notes, or doctor letters — along with your reconsideration request or shortly after. The new examiner will review everything together.

How long do I have to request reconsideration after I get my denial letter?

You have 60 days from the date printed on your denial letter. If you miss this important date, you can still appeal, but you will skip reconsideration and go straight to the hearing stage (Step 4). It is better to request reconsideration on time if you can.

Can reconsideration be approved if the initial claim was denied?

Yes. Reconsideration is approved in roughly 10 to 15 percent of cases, often because new medical evidence shows your condition is more severe than what was in the original file. This is why submitting strong medical records matters.